USS INTREPID

USS Intrepid (CV-11) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier launched in 1943 and active in World War II and the Vietnam War. Between the wars, she was also active in training operations, life-saving missions (most notably of US astronauts), and anti-Communist operations.

World War II Highlights:

• Intrepid was instrumental in successful operations against the Japanese. Her operations took her throughout the Far Pacific to Truk, Kwajalein, Ennuebing Island, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Okinawa, Formosa, and more.
• On Feb. 17, 1944, she suffered a hit from an aerial torpedo that partially flooded her and required major damage control efforts on the part of her crew. With the help of a handmade sail to keep her on course, she made it to Pearl Harbor a week later.
• The Battle for Leyte Gulf, Oct. 1944: this battle included many ships from both the American and Japanese Navy and dozens of planes. Japan lost five ships; the United States won.
• Intrepid sustained a kamikaze hit Oct. 30 that killed ten and injured six.
• In April of the following year, a Japanese plane crashed into the ship, killing 8 and injuring 21.
• After the war, she supported occupation of Japan.

Vietnam War

In 1966, Intrepid set records for fastest launch times off the coast of Vietnam.